DE102020102352A1 - Method for planning a trip with a motor vehicle, trip preparation device, and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for planning a trip in a motor vehicle (10), wherein a trip preparation device (12) of the motor vehicle (10) uses a sensor signal from a sensor device (26) to determine a degree of impaired vision on a window pane and / or an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle (10) determines (S1), receives a departure date signal (S2), which specifies the start of a planned journey with the motor vehicle (10), and on the basis of the specified beginning of the journey defines a journey preparation period for preparing the motor vehicle (10) for the journey (S3 ), which lies before the specified start of the journey, the specified journey preparation period fulfilling a specified journey preparation criterion. Only if a degree of visual impairment determined at the beginning of the specified journey preparation period exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the journey preparation device (12) generates a notification signal (S4) that describes the identified visual impairment and transmits the generated notification signal to a mobile terminal (28) of a user of the Motor vehicle (10, S5).

Description

The invention relates to a method for travel planning for a trip in a motor vehicle. The method can also be referred to as a method for monitoring an icing condition of the motor vehicle.

For a vehicle user it is currently not possible, insofar as no visual inspection can be carried out, to find out whether the window panes and / or the exterior mirrors of his motor vehicle are iced up. In order not to be surprised by an iced window pane, the vehicle user either has the option of preventively covering the window panes with insulation pads, and a preventive activation of an auxiliary heater or pre-air conditioning, if this is available in his motor vehicle.

Preventive covering requires physical effort and time on the part of the user to cover the window (s) of the vehicle the evening before or when the motor vehicle is parked, although icing does not necessarily have to occur. The preventive defrosting of the window (s) through, for example, timer-controlled auxiliary heating / preconditioning or manually switching on the auxiliary heating / preconditioning shortly before departure requires fuel / energy, although the icing cannot be reliably forecast by the user. Both options require the user's attention to prepare the motor vehicle accordingly. If this is forgotten and the window panes are iced up at the desired departure time, this leads to an unplanned loss of time due to defrosting or scratching the window panes.

the DE 10 2018 101 378 A1 describes an air conditioning remote control start system comprising a user's terminal, a central server, and a vehicle that includes an air conditioning system and is configured to communicate with the central server.

the CN 105480048 A describes a system for pre-cleaning a vehicle windshield.

the CN 105416173 A describes a snow and frost removal reminder system for automobile window glass.

A user of the vehicle is forced to independently check whether the motor vehicle is iced up, or must independently think of having the raw data sent to him in order to then decide for himself whether the vehicle is heavily iced up or not. Alternatively, the driver must actively start the system, accordingly remember to activate the system and, if necessary, be reminded by means of a timer and be able to actively call up the data via his mobile phone.

Good timing for preparing the vehicle for a trip is very difficult, because the driver is usually either far too early with the vehicle or inquires about the condition of the icing far too early, or only sees too soon that he is still scratching and / or have to turn on the heating. A punctual departure is therefore very unlikely.

An object on which the invention is based is to improve coordination when preparing a vehicle for a journey.

The object set is achieved by the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention in accordance with the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given by the subclaims.

The invention is based on the idea of using a device or a device component of the motor vehicle to measure impairment of the view of a window pane and / or an exterior mirror, in particular icing, and to determine the start of a journey. A user of the motor vehicle is only notified of the icing if there is actually a visual impairment, and the message is sent to the user precisely when the user still has enough time to clean the motor vehicle, for example, to sweep away the snow or to de-ice it , through such a cleaning measure, for example a de-icing measure, but not delayed.

In other words, for example, an icy or snow-covered window pane can be recognized by the vehicle. The user, for example a driver, is then not sent the raw data, but rather direct information about the iced or snow-covered window pane. As a result, the user has no compulsion or need to look independently, but is actively informed by the vehicle. The user does not have to actively start the system himself or think about it. According to the invention, the vehicle system can preferably be “woken up” cyclically and measure, or process the necessary data automatically, and automatically notify the user in the event of icing, for example. The principle can also be applied to other visual impairments, for example to dirt on the window pane and / or an exterior mirror.

It is advantageous that the user is made aware of an icy or snow-covered window pane, for example, so that defrosting can be activated manually, for example, or alternatively, it can be scheduled in time. Furthermore, there is the option of automatically starting an existing defrosting device, for example an auxiliary heater or pre-air conditioning, based on requirements and thus with maximum efficiency using the function described.

The method according to the invention for planning a trip in a motor vehicle is carried out by a trip preparation device of the motor vehicle. A trip preparation device is understood to mean a device, a device component or a device group which is designed and set up for receiving and evaluating signals and for generating control signals. The trip preparation device can be designed, for example, as a control chip, control device or the like. The trip preparation device can optionally be implemented as software or software components.

On the basis of a sensor signal from a sensor device, the trip preparation device determines the degree of impairment of visibility of a window pane and / or on an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. A sensor device is understood to mean a device or a device group for detecting, for example, chemical, optical or physical properties, the sensor device for this purpose preferably being able to have one or more sensors, for example a camera, a thermometer and a rain sensor. The sensor device can preferably be a sensor device of the motor vehicle. The sensor signal of the sensor device can then accordingly describe, for example, a transparency of the window pane, and / or an outside and / or inside temperature of the motor vehicle, and / or a level of precipitation. The sensor device can preferably detect a thermometer and a rain sensor, the sensor signal (or a plurality of sensor signals) then being able to describe the temperature and the amount of precipitation or the intensity of the precipitation. A conclusion can then be drawn from this combination, for example, as to whether the windshield is iced up, for example. In other words, the exemplary degree of icing can be predicted, forecast or estimated. Optionally, instead of quantitative information, the degree of visual impairment can be a qualitative information, for example "window pane is iced up" or "window pane is not iced up". In the case of a direct measurement, the sensor device can preferably have a camera, and a camera image can be used to evaluate whether one can see through the pane or whether the view is obscured by dirt, snow or ice.

Ideally, the sensors used and / or the recorded sensor values can be used to determine whether the impairment of vision is, for example, dirt, snow or ice.

The trip preparation device receives a departure date signal which specifies the start of a planned trip with the motor vehicle. The departure date signal can be received, for example, from a departure timer of the motor vehicle, or calendar data can be read out from the mobile terminal of a user. As an alternative or in addition, the departure signal can be received from a navigation device or describe a user setting.

Ideally, the impairment of visibility can be determined cyclically, or only if the departure signal announces a journey.

On the basis of the specified start of the journey, the journey preparation device defines a journey preparation period for preparing the motor vehicle for the journey. The specified travel preparation period is before the specified start of the journey and fulfills a specified travel preparation criterion. The predetermined trip preparation criterion can, for example, prescribe a probability or assign a minimum period of time that is sufficient, for example, manual ice scraping. The specified start of the journey then preferably follows the specified journey preparation period. The journey preparation period can be a relative specification, for example the specification “30 minutes before the start of the journey”, or an absolute specification, such as “2:00 p.m.”.

Only if a degree of visual impairment determined at the beginning of the defined journey preparation period exceeds a predetermined threshold value does the journey preparation device generate a notification signal which describes the determined visual impairment. The generated notification signal is then transmitted to a mobile terminal of a user of the motor vehicle. Ideally, the trip preparation device transmits the generated notification signal, for example, at the start of the specified trip preparation period, for example if the specified trip preparation period also takes into account a route taken by the user from his current location to the location of the motor vehicle. Optionally, the generated notification signal can describe the type of visual impairment.

The advantages mentioned above result. In contrast to what is known as “live pushing”, ie a notification is transmitted every half hour, for example, regardless of whether the vehicle is to be used and whether the vehicle is iced up, for example, which can be very annoying at night, for example Messages sent according to the method according to the invention at the ideal time. In other words, the notification of the impairment of vision takes place in a strictly demand-oriented and efficient manner. The user is therefore not unnecessarily disturbed by regular push messages. The user can be prepared in good time that he will, for example, pack an ice scraper before going to the vehicle and can prepare for the ice scraping. If, for example, the de-icing takes place by means of an auxiliary heating or pre-air conditioning, this is also done very energy-efficiently by the method according to the invention, because it is only heated or pre-air-conditioned when de-icing makes sense. Another advantage is that the process is carried out completely or almost completely automatically.

As already mentioned above, the trip preparation device can receive the sensor signal from a sensor device of the motor vehicle. The received sensor signal can ideally describe an inside and / or outside temperature of the motor vehicle, and / or a transparency of the window pane and / or a degree of reflection of the outside mirror, and / or a level of precipitation, and / or a camera image on the window pane and / or describe a camera image on the exterior mirror. A visual impairment can be predicted or deduced particularly well from such data. In particular, icing of the window pane and / or the exterior mirror can be very effectively derived from an outside temperature of the motor vehicle and the strength of a precipitation.

The departure time signal can be received by the trip preparation device preferably from the mobile terminal, for example via a cellular connection, and / or from a departure timer (“departure timer”) of the motor vehicle and / or from a navigation device of the motor vehicle. The user then does not need to concentrate on specifying the start of the journey and, in particular, when a calendar entry is made in the calendar of the mobile terminal, this information is automatically and conveniently made available to the journey preparation device.

The predetermined trip preparation criterion can preferably specify that a length of the trip preparation period is long enough to carry out a predetermined cleaning measure, in particular a de-icing measure, cleaning or cleaning of the window pane and / or the exterior mirror before the start of the journey, in particular de-icing the window pane and / or the Exterior mirror. For this purpose, for example, various cleaning measures can be assigned empirical values in the trip preparation device, for example five minutes for manual ice scraping and seven minutes for de-icing using an auxiliary heater.

The cleaning measure can preferably be specified as a function of the determined degree of visual impairment. A de-icing measure can preferably be specified as a function of the determined degree of icing. If the window pane is very icy, a combination of manual scratching and switching on the auxiliary heater by the user makes more sense than just scratching the ice. The automatic switching on of the auxiliary heating by the trip preparation device can then be even more efficient, so that the windows are already a bit warm when the user arrives at the car and starts scratching the ice. With this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the cleaning of the affected area, in particular de-icing, is made particularly efficient, and the necessary travel preparation period is thus reduced.

In a further development, the specified cleaning measure can be one of the following de-icing measures, or a combination of two or more of the following de-icing measures: De-icing through an activated auxiliary heating of the motor vehicle; and / or mechanical ice scraping, preferably wherein the predefined trip preparation criterion can specify that the length of the trip preparation period takes into account a route taken by the user to the motor vehicle; and / or activating a windshield wiper system of the motor vehicle. The windshield washer system can not only remove dirt from the windshield, but if there is antifreeze in the wash water, it can also thaw or even remove a layer of ice.

In order to additionally support a de-icing process and / or cleaning of a window pane, in one embodiment of the method according to the invention the trip preparation device can activate a parking heater of the motor vehicle and / or a windshield washer system of the motor vehicle.

The drive preparation device for the motor vehicle also belongs to the invention. The trip preparation device has a processor device which is set up to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The processor device can for this purpose have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the processor device can have a program code which is set up to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when it is executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device.

The object set above is achieved by a motor vehicle which has an embodiment of the trip preparation device according to the invention. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger vehicle or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

The motor vehicle can preferably include a sensor device for detecting a transparency of the window pane and / or a degree of reflection of the exterior mirror of the motor vehicle, and / or a level of precipitation and / or a camera image on the window pane and / or the exterior mirror. The advantages already mentioned above result.

The invention also includes the combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

The invention also includes further developments of the trip preparation device according to the invention and the motor vehicle according to the invention which have features as they have already been described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding developments of the trip preparation device according to the invention and the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. For this purpose, the single figure (“FIG.”) Shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention and the devices according to the invention.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention which are to be considered independently of one another and which also further develop the invention in each case independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figure, the same reference symbols denote functionally identical elements.

The figure schematically illustrates the principle of the method according to the invention (and the corresponding devices) on the basis of an exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the figure shows a motor vehicle 10 , which is a trip preparation facility 12th has, which can be configured, for example, as a control device or control chip.

By means of a communication module 14th that a communication module known to the person skilled in the art from the prior art can be configured for preferably wireless, but optionally also for wired data communication, to which the antenna shown schematically 16 can belong. Using the communication module 14th can the trip preparation facility 12th via a preferably wireless data communication connection 18th with an off-vehicle server device 20th , for example a data server or a data cloud, for example via a cellular connection or internet connection. The wireless communication is symbolized by the WLAN symbol.

The trip preparation facility 12th can preferably be a processor device 22nd have, which can have, for example, multiple microcontrollers and / or multiple microprocessors, and / or a data memory 24 , on which, for example, a program code for carrying out the method according to the invention can be stored. On the data storage 24 For example, an assignment of cleaning measures, in particular de-icing measures, to a determined degree of visual impairment, for example icing, can optionally also be stored. For example, a digital list can specify that in the event of slight ice formation, i.e. in the event of ice formation up to a specified ice thickness or a specified opacity of a window pane, the activation of a parking heater is assigned, and for example a very thick ice cover within a specified range of an ice thickness Switching on a parking heater and scraping the ice with an ice scraper.

For example, via a data bus in the motor vehicle 10 as a data communication link 18th between the trip preparation facility 12th and a sensor device 26th , which preferably include a rain sensor, a camera aimed at the windshield (or several cameras aimed at different window panes) and a Thermometer for measuring an outside temperature of the motor vehicle 10 can include, the sensor signals can be transmitted. The sensor device 26th For example, comprise a laser which can be aimed at a mirror surface of an exterior mirror in order to measure, for example, a layer of ice or snow.

The trip preparation facility 12th can via the communication module 14th with a mobile device 28 of a user of the motor vehicle 10 are in communication, also preferably via a cellular and / or Internet connection.

Finally, the figure shows a data communication link 18th between the server device 20th and the mobile device 28 that can optionally be used to deliver the notification. Alternatively, the notification can be sent directly from the motor vehicle 10 to the mobile device 28 be transmitted.

The car 10 can, for example, have an auxiliary heater 34 and / or a windshield wiper system 32 have, the wiper system 32 for example, may have wash water with an antifreeze. The trip preparation facility 12th can with the exemplary windshield wiper system 32 and the auxiliary heater 34 communicate in order to control them automatically if necessary.

Is the motor vehicle 10 an electric motor vehicle, so can the auxiliary heater 34 as a corresponding pre-air conditioning device for an electrified motor vehicle 10 be designed.

To determine the degree of icing (process step S1 ) For example, sensor signals can be evaluated that describe the outside temperature, a registered precipitation and a camera image, or a measurement of the exemplary laser. For example, if the camera measures a transparency of 100 percent, this indicates that the window pane is not iced up. For example, if the window pane has an opacity level of 50 percent, i.e. if the transparency is reduced by 50 percent, for example, if the outside temperature is below zero and if the rain sensor detects precipitation, this can result in icing and / or a layer of snow on the window pane and / or exterior mirrors be derived. The determined degree of icing can be a qualitative statement, for example "not iced up" or "iced up", or a quantitative statement, for which, for example, a thickness of the ice layer can be predicted or estimated. While the icing of the window pane or the exterior mirror has been dealt with so far and in the following, the method can also be carried out analogously if the view is obstructed by a layer of snow or dirt, for example leaves or dirt lying on the windshield.

Preferably from the mobile device 28 , or from a departure timer or a charging timer, for example, is received by the trip preparation device 12th a departure signal that can, for example, indicate that the journey should start at 2:00 p.m. Optionally, this departure time can also be derived, for example, from a calendar entry in the mobile device, which can describe an appointment for 2:20 p.m., or the departure time 2:00 p.m. is stored directly in the calendar. Preferably, the determination of the degree of icing ( S1 ) can be carried out cyclically, for example every 15 minutes, or for example every ten minutes. For the exemplary start of the journey at 2:00 p.m., it can then be specified, for example, that a journey preparation period of five minutes is then set, for example, depending on the presence of icing or a degree of icing (S3).

The trip preparation period can optionally be varied. If, for example, a thick layer of ice is detected at 1:30 p.m., the trip preparation period can be increased to 20 minutes, for example. Is optionally also taken into account that the user is not in the vicinity of the motor vehicle 10 stops, but for example only ten minutes to the motor vehicle 10 must run, the trip preparation period can be increased to a duration of 30 minutes.

If an increasing degree of icing is found in the cyclical measurements (S1) and an approaching start of the defined journey preparation period is determined or this has already been reached, the journey preparation device can 12th generate a notification signal (S4) that can describe, for example, the message “Windshield is iced up, pack ice scraper”. The generated notification signal can then be sent to the mobile terminal 28 are transmitted (S5), either directly or via the server device 20th .

Until the user drives the motor vehicle 10 on foot, the trip preparation facility can 12th for example the windshield wiper system 32 and / or the auxiliary heater 34 activate (S6). When the user arrives at the motor vehicle, the layer of ice can ideally be somewhat thinner and the user no longer has to scratch as much.

Overall, the examples show how the invention provides a method for information about impaired visibility, in particular window icing and / or icing of an exterior mirror, in a motor vehicle 10 on a mobile device 28 can be provided.

The user can see the current status of the (front) window of his parked motor vehicle, for example 10 on his mobile device 28 view at any time.

In addition, the settings allow this, for example, via an icy vehicle window, optionally by means of notification on the mobile device 28 is informed and advised. Provision is made here for such a push notification not to be output “live”, that is to say at the start of icing, but at a point in time that is accordingly shortly before the probable time of departure of the user. This information can be obtained, for example, from the user's calendar data or using a programmed charging timer (PHEV and / or BEV vehicles, ie electrified motor vehicles 10 ).

With the help of such a notification close to the departure time via an iced windshield, for example, the user can preferably manually activate the auxiliary heating and / or pre-air conditioning in good time, or alternatively plan the time and utensils for manual de-icing of the window panes.

In addition, the function offers the option of automatically activating an existing auxiliary heater or other defrosting device, for example the windshield wiper system or pre-air conditioning, before departure if icing has been detected by the function.

The advantages are that the user is made aware of an iced window, for example, which means that defrosting can be activated manually or, alternatively, scheduled in time. Furthermore, there is the option of automatically starting an existing defrosting device (e.g. auxiliary heating) based on demand and thus as efficiently as possible using the function described.

Another exemplary technical implementation can provide that the exemplary icing, for example of the (front) window, can be detected by the existing rain light sensor (RLS). If it detects icing before the user leaves, this information is sent via the communication module 14th , for example a telematics interface of the motor vehicle 10 , to the server device 20th , for example a backend, and from there to the mobile device 28 transferred by the user. The user is preferably informed of corresponding events via an application program (“app”). In this app, it is also possible for him to remotely start an existing auxiliary heater, for example.

The figure illustrates a notification by the user in the event of, for example, an iced-up vehicle window (motor vehicle 10 with icing detection and telematics unit; Server device 20th , for example backend; mobile device 28 with the corresponding app).

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102018101378 A1 [0004]
• CN 105480048 A [0005]
• CN 105416173 A [0006]

Claims (10)

Method for planning a trip in a motor vehicle (10), wherein a trip preparation device (12) of the motor vehicle (10): - using a sensor signal from a sensor device (26) determines (S1) a degree of impaired visibility on a window pane and / or an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle (10), - receives a departure date signal (S2), which specifies a start of a planned trip with the motor vehicle (10), - on the basis of the specified start of the journey, specifies (S3) a journey preparation period for preparing the motor vehicle (10) for the journey, which is before the specified start of the journey, the specified journey preparation period fulfilling a specified journey preparation criterion, - only if a degree of visual impairment determined at the beginning of the defined journey preparation period exceeds a predetermined threshold value: a notification signal is generated (S4) which describes the visual impairment determined, and - The generated notification signal is transmitted to a mobile terminal (28) of a user of the motor vehicle (10) (S5). Procedure according to Claim 1 wherein the trip preparation device (12) receives the sensor signal from a sensor device (26) of the motor vehicle (10); preferably wherein the received sensor signal is an inside and / or outside temperature of the motor vehicle (10), and / or a transparency of the window pane and / or a degree of reflection of the outside mirror, and / or a level of precipitation, and / or a camera image on the Describes the window pane and / or the exterior mirror. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trip preparation device (12) receives the departure date signal: from the mobile terminal device (28), and / or from a departure timer of the motor vehicle (10), and / or from a navigation device of the motor vehicle (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined trip preparation criterion specifies that a length of the trip preparation period is long enough to carry out a cleaning of the window pane and / or the exterior mirror before the start of the journey with the aid of a predetermined cleaning measure; in particular, the specified travel preparation criterion specifying a sufficient length for a specified de-icing measure for de-icing. Procedure according to Claim 4 , wherein the trip preparation device (12) specifies the cleaning measure as a function of the determined degree of impaired visibility; preferably wherein the trip preparation device (12) specifies a de-icing measure as a function of a determined degree of icing. Method according to one of the Claims 4 or 5 , the specified cleaning measure being one of the following de-icing measures, or a combination of two or more of the following de-icing measures: defrosting by means of an activated auxiliary heater (34) of the motor vehicle (10); and / or - mechanical ice scraping; preferably wherein the predetermined trip preparation criterion specifies that the length of the trip preparation period takes into account a route taken by the user to the motor vehicle (10); and / or - activating a windshield washer system of the motor vehicle (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the trip preparation device (12) activates (S6) an auxiliary heater (34) of the motor vehicle (10) and / or a windshield washer system (32) of the motor vehicle (10) at the beginning of the journey preparation period. Trip preparation device (12) which is set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Motor vehicle (10), comprising a trip preparation device (12) according to Claim 8 . Motor vehicle (10) according to Claim 9 , comprising a sensor device (26) for detecting a transparency of the window pane and / or a degree of reflection of the exterior mirror of the motor vehicle (10), and / or a level of precipitation, and / or a camera image on the window pane and / or the exterior mirror.

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